Visa issues see Jarryd 'Hayne Plane' grounded Down Under

JOINT Dally M medallist Jarryd Hayne says his NFL dream is not over despite him being forced back to Australia because of visa problems.

Picture: PETER MITCHELL AAP

JOINT Dally M medallist Jarryd Hayne says his NFL dream is not over despite him being forced back to Australia because of visa problems.

Hayne (pictured), who shocked the rugby league world when he quit the game just before the Four Nations tournament in October, said he was still hopeful of a contract in the US and would be heading back when his issues were rectified.

He revealed to journalists at Sydney Airport yesterday that he had almost signed a deal before his visa problem.

"I was meant to be in a team ... I was meant to start two weeks ago," he said.

"The visa issue came up, so I just felt that was a sign to shut it down for a bit and get that rest because I've been going for a long time.

"I'd packed my bags and I was there ready to start the next day and it wasn't until I flew into the facility that the visa concerns came up.

"From December 29 I can sign another contract, that will be sweet."

Hayne revealed he had been working with a running-back coach and had no long-lasting concerns about the visa issue and was just delighted to be able to spend some time with family over the festive season.

"For me now, I've worked hard and done what I needed to do," Hayne told Fox Sports. "The biggest hurdle was the visa and that couldn't get sorted out until just after Christmas and that was probably the main reason I came home.

"There was no point me being over there when I couldn't be amongst the team. We'll have that sorted out after Christmas."

Originally published as Visa issues see Jarryd 'Hayne Plane' grounded Down Under